Vietnam War (1965–1975)

Following the Korean War, the U.S. Army underwent major changes in uniforms, equipment, and weapons. Vietnam's tropical climate required lightweight combat clothing, while the transition from the M1 and M14 rifles to the M16A1 resulted in significant changes to field equipment.

Uniform

Known as “jungle fatigues,” the tropical combat uniform evolved throughout the war while retaining its basic design. The jacket was made from lightweight cotton twill and later rip stop fabric in olive green shade 107. It featured slanted chest pockets and lower cargo pockets with button flaps.

Olive-green cotton T-shirts replaced the white undershirts worn early in the war.

The trousers were also made from lightweight cotton twill or rip-stop fabric and included front, rear, and cargo pockets. Drawstrings at the cuffs helped protect against insects.

Headgear

The M1 steel helmet remained standard issue and was often fitted with a reversible “Mitchell” camouflage cover featuring green foliage patterns on one side and brown patterns on the reverse.

An olive-green elastic camouflage band allowed soldiers to secure small items such as insect repellent.

Beginning in 1969, improved ballistic nylon helmet liners replaced earlier suspension systems.

Equipment

The M1956 Load-Carrying Equipment system replaced earlier World War II and Korean War-era field gear. Constructed from olive-drab cotton webbing, it used metal slide keepers to attach pouches and accessories.

The system included ammunition pouches, an equipment belt, suspenders, a field pack (“butt pack”), first aid pouch, canteen, and entrenching tool.

The M1956 universal ammunition pouch was originally designed for M1, BAR, M14, M2 carbine ammunition, and grenades. However, the shorter 20-round M16 magazines led to the introduction of dedicated M16 ammunition pouches.

The M1961 field pack featured a waterproof lining and attached directly to the equipment belt and suspenders.

The olive-drab plastic one-quart canteen, introduced in 1962, replaced the earlier aluminum canteen.

Footwear

Early-war combat boots were leather with rubber soles, but they proved unsuitable for jungle conditions. They were quickly replaced by tropical combat boots, commonly called “jungle boots.”

These boots combined leather and canvas construction for improved ventilation and faster drying. Later versions featured Panama soles and steel plates designed to protect against punji-stick traps.

Weapons

The M16A1 rifle became the primary infantry weapon during the Vietnam War. Chambered in 5.56 mm, it used detachable 20-round magazines, later supplemented by 30-round magazines.

The rifle was capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire.

The M14 rifle remained in limited use early in the war.

The M7 bayonet, designed for the M16 rifle, also served as a utility and fighting knife.